Kris Anderson
Well-known member
The species treatment for Oligonicella scudderi has been finalized. If you have any additional data regarding the biology of this species, please contact me for submission.
Biology. Oothecae are light tan to golden brown in coloration and contain between 10-20 eggs. The globular-shaped case spans 3-3.5 mm wide and 5-7 mm long, has rounded edges, saliently ribbed sides and a prominent protrusion on the dorsal surface above a concave anterior end. Typical oviposition sites include thin twigs, tree bark, or thick grass stalks. Cannibalism amongst nymphs is not indicated. Adults are found running along the ground or lurking within low vegetation, shrubbery, and grasses in a wide range of habitats from desert scrub to swampy wetlands to interior of pine forests. Females can produce 10 or more oothecae during their lifespan with multiple deposits, up to 3, in a single night. This species is double-brooded throughout much of its distribution range with spring generation adult males being found from early April to late July and adult females occurring somewhat later between late June and early August. Fall generation adult males are encountered from mid-September to early November with adult females being found from early October to mid-November. Males fly regularly and are attracted to lights at night. Both sexes often rest with their forelegs outstretched in front of their bodies. Despite having a relatively small surface area within their raptorial forelegs in which to confine other insects, females are capable of capturing and holding aloft prey that are equal to half their body length and a large portion of their own body weight. There is significant variation in stature and body length between Texas populations, which tend to produce much larger individuals, and those from the southeastern United States and parts of Nebraska and Kansas that tend to have smaller individuals by comparison.
Biology. Oothecae are light tan to golden brown in coloration and contain between 10-20 eggs. The globular-shaped case spans 3-3.5 mm wide and 5-7 mm long, has rounded edges, saliently ribbed sides and a prominent protrusion on the dorsal surface above a concave anterior end. Typical oviposition sites include thin twigs, tree bark, or thick grass stalks. Cannibalism amongst nymphs is not indicated. Adults are found running along the ground or lurking within low vegetation, shrubbery, and grasses in a wide range of habitats from desert scrub to swampy wetlands to interior of pine forests. Females can produce 10 or more oothecae during their lifespan with multiple deposits, up to 3, in a single night. This species is double-brooded throughout much of its distribution range with spring generation adult males being found from early April to late July and adult females occurring somewhat later between late June and early August. Fall generation adult males are encountered from mid-September to early November with adult females being found from early October to mid-November. Males fly regularly and are attracted to lights at night. Both sexes often rest with their forelegs outstretched in front of their bodies. Despite having a relatively small surface area within their raptorial forelegs in which to confine other insects, females are capable of capturing and holding aloft prey that are equal to half their body length and a large portion of their own body weight. There is significant variation in stature and body length between Texas populations, which tend to produce much larger individuals, and those from the southeastern United States and parts of Nebraska and Kansas that tend to have smaller individuals by comparison.
